Bulletproof vest

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/bulletproof-vest

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary protective material?Para-aramid fibers like Kevlar, or Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) like Dyneema
2. What is the mechanism of action?Energy absorption and dissipation through fiber deformation and spreading of impact force
3. How does a bulletproof vest stop a bullet?When a bullet hits the vest, the tight layers of fibers stretch and spread the bullet’s force over a bigger area. This keeps the bullet from breaking through and hurting the wearer.
4. What materials are used in bulletproof vests?Most vests use a strong fabric called Kevlar, made by DuPont. Some vests also have hard plates of ceramic or special composites to stop faster bullets.

Kinetic Energy: The energy an object possesses due to its motion.
Para-aramid Fiber: A class of strong synthetic fibers known for high tensile strength and heat resistance.
UHMWPE: Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene, a strong, lightweight polymer fiber used in ballistic protection.